With his wife present in support, Lawrence Cunningham spoke to staff, students and alumni about his experience at Notre Dame as assistant athletic director as well as what he could offer Ball State if given the new AD position.
Cunningham, wearing a red tie, answered questions Thursday about his past, revenue generation, radio and television networking and his family life.
"There is an awful lot of similarities between Notre Dame, where I've been for the past 15 years or so, and Ball State," Cunningham said. "The people in particular. I think a lot about the people and the relationships I've built up over time and feel very comfortable about here."
Cunningham graduated from Notre Dame with a Bachelor's in Business Administration, with a concentration in accountancy in 1984. He began working at Notre Dame as an alumni club representative. Since 1984, Cunningham earned his masters degree and continued to work at Notre Dame where he is currently the associate director of athletics for external affairs.
"When I think about intercollegiate athletics I've been very fortunate to be at one institution for a long time," Cunningham said. "Most people in this business jump around from job to job, pursuing other opportunities."
Cunningham talked about generating additional revenue as a growing importance to stay competitive in the Mid-American Conference.
"When I look at Ball State in particular, and see that you're at the bottom of the three in financing in the league, and top three in performance, I can't think of a better return on your investment," Cunningham said. "But every year you stay at the bottom third, people continue to wax it up, you're going to start to losing ground."
Cunningham said Cardinal Varsity club and selling tickets are very important in revenue at Ball State . He also said the total integration of the atheltic department and the university was very unique and that the communications department could help.
"The ownership of television and radio stations, and how that network can be setup could expose a lot more of the state and a lot more of this region," Cunningham said.
Cunningham also said direct sales and the teacher's college can help revenue and getting the word out. He shared an example of community spirit through a story he heard the night before, of a Muncie elementary teacher on the first day of classes, teaching the students the Ball State fight song.
The Indianapolis and Fort Wayne areas should be targets of promotion for Ball State Cunningham said.
Cunningham said Fort Wayne is a great place to start because there is less competition, and that Indianapolis was important in promotion of the university and corporations.
Also increasing attendance by improving the atmosphere of the game so students want to attend was important to Cunningham.
"You want people to feel good about being there," he said.
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